The paper presents and partially analyses the basic elements of rock engineering based on the
European standard for geotechnical design - Eurocode 7. Through the work is processed rock
engineering and also terms related to rock mass, mechanical behavior, the impact of
weathering and classification of rock mass. It is clarified the differences between main
structural elements. Also, there are mentioned some of the most important geotechnical
structures and procedures in the rock mass. In accordance with Eurocode 7 there are defined
the specific requirements for construction and highlighted the importance of research work in
the rock mass. Special emphasis is placed on the method of observation as a solution that
increases the level of reliability during construction and allows adjustment to new knowledges
about the behavior of the rock mass. As the final chapter disadvantages of Eurocode 7 with
focus on the rock engineering and possibilities of their solution in the future are listed.